Farhat, 31-year-old, has failed to cement his place in the Pakistan team in a turbulent 13-year career and has often been criticised for lack of consistency. “Farhat has informed the board and the national selection committee that due to domestic matters which require his immediate attention, he will be unable to proceed to Zimbabwe with the team," said Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesman here on Tuesday.

Farhat had been named in the Test squad for the tour starting on August 23, in which Pakistan will play two Twenty20s, three ODIs and two Tests. "The selection committee has consulted and Masood has been selected to replace Farhat in the Test squad," the PCB spokesman said.

Farhat has so far played 40 Tests for Pakistan, the last of which was in South Africa in February this year. Masood, 23, is a promising left-handed opener who has been scoring heavily in domestic cricket and has several tours under his belt with Pakistan's second string ‘A’ team.